Faithbook 4ChristAlone

How Do You Imagine God?God in America and USA WEEKEND Magazine are partnering to explore Americans' images of God.

How do you imagine God?your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
I cannot even begin to comprehend the greatness and majesty of God. He is compassionate and wrathful, kind and not easily angered; he is just and mighty and righteous. I can't even begin to imagine our awesome God.
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My Beliefs

I believe ...your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
and trust in Jesus as my savior. I understand that I am not perfect; I believe that Jesus, who was God and was perfect in every way (and was thus 'eligible'), died for my sins and ROSE AGAIN on the third day. I believe in the Trinity, even though it's a little difficult for me to understand.

My most powerful moment of belief was ...your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
summer of 2010, when I went on a week-long mission trip with some youth in my church to Ruidoso, New Mexico, and worked on home repair for Apache Native Americans through the Group Workcamp organization. I realized God's mighty love and saw for the first time just a large number of my brothers and sisters in Christ. It was really amazing and I learned to really depend on God as I worked with strangers from all over the nation.

My spiritual life means...your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
the greatest relationship in my life--my relationship with God.
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The biggest misconception about my faith/belief system is ...your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
there are actually several pretty big ones. I've heard my peers mention how Christians are all about good works (which isn't true. You are saved through grace by faith alone when you put your trust in Jesus Christ.) or that Christians cause all the wars in history all over the world (which is kind of true, but religion is NOT equal to war. In fact, I disagree with some of the reasons Christians went to war; I also don't like at all the bad reputation "Christians" build for the world to see. It's not like that, OK?)

My spiritual role model is ...your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
JESUS!

My Faith History

I was raised as ...your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
a Christian, but it wasn't always that way. In the early years of my childhood, I lived in a typical non-religious home. After my parents put their trust in Christ, I saw the change in their attitudes and behavior--towards each other and towards me. It really impressed me and eventually led to my faith, too.

Are your beliefs or practices different from your parents? If so, how and why?your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
Sometimes, I find my opinions differing from my parents. Most of my life that I remember, I went to church. My parents, though, sometimes still adhere closer to their previous (more worldly, it seems to me) beliefs.

How I Practice My Faith

Where and when do you practice your faith?your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
I don't exactly 'practice' my faith. I live it. It's a relationship. You don't 'practice' a relationship with your parents or siblings or teacher or spouse (if you have one). It's a constant thing. It's part of life. I try to live out my faith and just constantly talk to God. Fellowship with others helps; church challenges my faith and helps me grow spiritually.
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Does your family practice more than one religion or faith? If so, how do you blend the traditions?your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
I think there's a little influence from Chinese traditions... and superstitions, but generally, they're more like health advice and biologically proven practices instead of random weird things one tends to think of when one thinks of superstitions.

How easy or difficult is it to live your faith? Why?your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
Sometimes, I find myself slipping more into conforming with the world, but when times are difficult, God sends a reminder--through a youth group leader, a pastor, a friend, sometimes even someone who isn't a Christian. It's really amazing how God shows up in my life and keeps in touch with me--I have to stay alert, though, to notice these little acts of love. There aren't extreme challenges to my faith or persecution, but in a school that's very competitive, it's sometimes really easy to just be swallowed up by work and grades and GPA.

Religion & the Public Square

Should courses about religion be taught in public schools? Why or why not?your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
Religion has merged with history in some aspects, and it is part of our "Big Shaggy". Misconceptions are spread widely because people don't know the truth. If religion, upon which this country was founded, returned to public schools, America would truly become America again. I find it depressing that this country was so founded on God--it's even in our pledge of allegiance and various songs--yet we're constantly straying from it because of minor religions (no offense) keep rebelling. My faith gives me freedoms. It's God who gives me choices, who frees me from sin; his laws keep me free, so I intend to keep them.

Do you feel comfortable discussing your faith with others? Why/why not?your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
I am feeling increasingly comfortable as I grow. I know that when the opportunity comes up to share my faith or discuss it, I can rely on God--it's not just me speaking. It's God speaking through me, and if I will just listen to Him, He'll be able to present the truth through me.

Do you feel that you have a duty, because of your faith, to put your beliefs into action? What are some of those actions?your photo/ link/ video has been held for approval by a moderator
It's probably less of a duty and more of just LOVE. God loves me so much; I should love others, too, because he loves them just as he loves me. This love then leads to good deeds--not because I want to feel good about myself, but because it glorifies Him and portrays (kind of) his love for us.